... where you can then explore Pixar's gallery
space. Which currently features a spectacular display of pre-production art
from all of the "Toy Story" films.

Of course, if you'd like to take a little artwork home with
you, you could always take part in the Silent Auction. Where you'll then be
allowed to bid on original and signed works by Pixar artists and animators.

Photo by Gina Mongenel

Folks who took part in last year's event got to see all
sorts of concept art for "Up" ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... not to mention some
fun dimensional pieces that Disney's marketing department had created to help
promote this Pete Docter film.

Photo by Gina Mongenel

And speaking of films ... One of the high points of your trip
to Emeryville will be your visit to Pixar's state-of-the-art screening room.
Where you'll then get to watch a selection of Pixar's short films. Among them "One Man Band," "Lifted," "Presto," "Burn-E" as well
as several Cars Toons.

Mind you, the Family Fun Tier level of
this Cartoon Art Museum fundraiser is already sold out. But the good news is that are still tickets available for the VIP Screening
Tier level. Which not only gets you into the
building at 11 a.m. (two hours ahead of everyone who bought tickets at the
Family Fun Tier level for this event) but also gets you access to the Pixar Studio Store ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... where you'll then be able to purchase Studio-exclusive
merchandise at the employee discount rate.

Better yet, you'll be able to dine on some light lunchtime
snacks (provided by Café Luxo) ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... before you then head into the Studio screening room for a
special noontime screening of the 3D versions of Pixar's latest short, "Day
& Night" as well as "Toy Story 3" in its entirety. "TS3" director Lee Unkrich will be on hand to introduce this exclusive screening. Afterwards, Pixarian and CAM board member Michael B. Johnson
will host a Q & A session with several "Toy Story 3" crew members.

After this screening, event participants with tickets to the
VIP Screening Tier level will have the opportunity to chat with Johnson and/or
any of the other guest speakers. Better yet, these people will have the chance
to explore the Emeryville campus ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... and discover all of the great inside jokes & little touches that make the
actual Pixar Animation Studio so special.

Photo by Gina Mongenel

Know this, though: There are only a limited number of
tickets still available for this annual Cartoon Art Museum fundraiser.
The Family Fun Tier level for this event sold out just yesterday. Which means that -- if you'd like to get access to Pixar Animation Studios as part of this year's CAM benefit -- you'd best be ready to cough up some coin. Because
non-members have to pay $199 per person for the VIP Screening Tier level,
whereas members of the Cartoon Art Museum can purchase their tickets to this
very exclusive experience for $149 per person. (Which -- given that an individual CAM membership only costs $35 a year -- may be a smart way to go if you're looking to save a few bucks on your ticket to Saturday's event. Anyway ... )

So if you've always dreamed of going behind-the-scenes at
Pixar ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... now's your chance. But - that said - you have to
move fast here. Given that this Cartoon Art Museum fundraiser gets underway at 11 a.m. this Saturday morning ...

Photo by Gina Mongenel

... More importantly, because there are only a handful of
VIP Screening Tier level tickets still available for purchase at this time. So don't dawdle.

For further information about Pixar's 7th annual CAM
benefit, please click on this link.